Martyrs of the Faith
The expression “time will fail me” or “the day will fail” is a rhetorical commonplace by which one segues into a peroration.85 The author calls to mind a host of examples even as he protests that he has not the time to do so.86 Hebrews 11:32–35a, beginning with a list of names spanning Judges through potentially Malachi,87 at least provides a summary of the achievements of faith through 2 Kings; Hebrews 11:35b–38 takes in the fates of the prophets and the Maccabean martyrs as well, thus rounding out the canonical history in addition to making reference to several legends about the deaths of the great prophets of Israel. The survey is structured cleanly in two parts. The first half (Heb. 11:32–35a) speaks of those figures who, through trust in God, achieved what any person in the world would consider marvelous or miraculous things (military prowess, timely deliverance from death, resuscitation of corpses). The second half (Heb. 11:35b–38) speaks of those who are, in the world’s eyes, shamed and defeated losers but who, from God’s perspective, are every bit as triumphant and honorable as the “heroes” of Heb.11:32–35a. The message conveyed by this structure is that, regardless of external circumstances, it is the posture of loyalty to God and trust in God’s word that marks a person’s worth (a worth that the rest of the world failed to recognize, Heb. 11:38).
deSilva, David A. Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle “to the Hebrews.” Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000. Print.
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